Updated 10 March 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 30 January 2023 under section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions.
We planned the inspection to check whether the registered practice was meeting the legal requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated regulations.
The inspection was led by a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspector who was supported by a specialist dental advisor.
To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we always ask the following 5 questions:
- Is it safe?
- Is it effective?
- Is it caring?
- Is it responsive to people’s needs?
- Is it well-led?
These questions form the framework for the areas we look at during the inspection.
Our findings were:
- The dental clinic appeared clean and well-maintained.
- The practice had infection control procedures in place. Minor improvements are needed to fully bring in line with national guidance.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate emergency medicines were available. Some emergency equipment was not available as described in national guidance.
- The practice had systems to manage risks for patients and staff. Improvements could be made to the process for managing the risks associated with hazardous substances.
- Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
- The practice had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation.
- Clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
- Patients were treated with dignity and respect. Staff took care to protect patients’ privacy and personal information.
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- The appointment system worked efficiently to respond to patients’ needs.
- The frequency of appointments was agreed between the dentist and the patient, giving due regard to National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
- Staff felt involved, supported and worked as a team.
- Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
- Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.
- The practice had information governance arrangements.
Background
Chariwala Smile Limited is in Bolton and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children. The service also offers orthodontic treatment on a privately funded basis.
There is step free access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces are available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.
The dental team includes 2 dentists, 2 dental nurses and 1 receptionist. The practice has 3 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists and 1 dental nurse. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday to Thursday from 8am to 5pm
Friday from 8am to 2pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Improve the practice’s infection control procedures and protocols taking into account the guidelines issued by the Department of Health in the Health Technical Memorandum 01-05: Decontamination in primary care dental practices. In particular, changing heavy duty gloves on a weekly basis.
- Improve the process for ensuring medical emergency is within its expiry date and reflects the guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK).
- Improve the practice's processes for the control and storage of substances hazardous to health identified by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, to ensure risk assessments are undertaken for all hazardous substances.
- Take action to ensure ongoing Legionella management is effective. In particular, the monitoring and oversight of water temperatures.